Empty Rio Tinto iron ore train derails in Western Australia

13th February 2024 By: Reuters

MELBOURNE - A self-driving train derailed at Rio Tinto's iron-ore operations in Western Australia, the world's biggest iron-ore miner said on Tuesday.

A Rio Tinto spokesperson said the derailment involving an unloaded train with about 38 wagons had occurred at about 6 p.m. (1000 GMT) on Sunday.

The derailment happened on a section of dual track, Rio Tinto said, which means that trains can keep operating in the area, limiting disruption.

"An investigation has begun, and the appropriate regulators have been notified. Work to recover derailed wagons has also commenced," the spokesperson said.

Rio Tinto, BHP Group and Fortescue have all reported other derailments at their iron-ore operations in Western Australia in recent years.